norethindrone (Nor QD, Nora-BE, Ortho Micronor)

Norethindrone is a progestin that is used as an oral contraceptive.

What brand names are available for norethindrone birth control pill?

Brand names for norethindrone oral contraceptive include:

• Camila
• Errin
• Heather
• Jencycla
• Nor QD
• Nora-BE
• Ortho Micronor
• Incassia

• Norethindrone is used for the prevention of pregnancy.

Common side effects of norethindrone include:

• Menstrual irregularity
• Frequent and irregular bleeding
• Headache
• Breast tenderness
• Nausea
• Dizziness

Other possible side effects of norethindrone include:

• Long bleeding episodes
• Lack of menstruation
• Acne
• Hirsutism
• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Edema
• Nervousness
• Pain in extremity
• Genital discharge
• Breast pain
• Menstruation delayed
• Suppressed lactation
• Vaginal bleeding
• Heavy menstruation
• Withdrawal bleeding

Possible serious side effects of norethindrone include:

• Depression
• Serious allergic reactions
• Hepatitis
• Jaundice
• Ovarian cyst
• Ectopic pregnancy

• The recommended dose is one tablet daily at the same time of the day.

A number of medications can decrease the blood levels of norethindrone by increasing its elimination in the liver. Examples of medications that increase the elimination of estrogens include:

• carbamazepine (Tegretol)
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin (Dilantin)
• rifampin (Rifadin)
• St. John's wort
• bosentan (Tracleer)

• Oral contraceptives are generally avoided during pregnancy. Use of norethindrone during pregnancy has been associated with masculinization of female infants.
• Small amounts of progestin pass into breast milk and are detectable in the infant. Use of birth control pills during lactation has been associated with decreased milk production. Norethindrone may be used by breastfeeding women.

What preparations of norethindrone birth control pill are available?

• Tablets: 0.35 mg

How should I keep norethindrone birth control pill stored?

• Norethindrone tablets should be stored at room temperature, 15 C to 30 C (59 F to 86 F).

How does norethindrone birth control pill work?

• Norethindrone is a progestin, and progestins prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation (release of the egg), making it more difficult for sperm to penetrate the uterine mucus that surrounds the egg, and therefore, for fertilization to take place. Progestins also change the uterine lining to prevent the fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus.

When was norethindrone birth control pill approved by the FDA?

• The FDA approved norethindrone in January, 1973.